The Spoken Word

 

In African American literature, the vernacular tradition is a dynamic and expressive mode of communication that reflects the unique linguistic and cultural experiences of the Black community. The vernacular tradition draws heavily from the oral traditions, including folktales, songs, and spiritual hymns. For instance, in Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s “Ode to Ethiopia”, he abbreviates many words and tries to only use words with less than two syllables. Following the 5th stanza, Dunbar says this: “High ‘mid the clouds of Fame’s bright sky”. His decision to simplistic language demonstrates his desire for inclusivity. Dunbar recognizes that his poems will be spoken and eventually turned into songs, and he wants everybody, even those who lack an education, to enjoy and embrace its meaning. Additionally, this Ode was likely passed down through generations and Dunbar wants it to remain as authentic as possible. 

Furthermore, Dunbar utilizes rich cultural imagery that draws from his African heritage. In the first stanza, he says that he “know[s] the pangs which thou didst feel, When slavery crushed thee with its heel”. Dunbar recognizes the power of slavery, and his expression of empathy reflects the horrors of slavery. He sees that its effects are still present, but he also knows that the black community is incredibly resilient, and that “better times” are coming. This portrayal of everyday racism reflects the vernacular tradition’s emphasis on genuine, commonplace experiences. More than just a desire to heal, though, Dunbar references Ethiopia and the motherland of Africa as a means of resisting cultural assimilation and promoting black solidarity. He envisions a future where the resilience and cultural heritage of the African American community prevails over the terrible, racist adversity they currently face. 

Just like Dunbar’s poetry, the work song “Pick a Bale of Cotton” reflects the vernacular tradition brilliantly. The song maintains the same structure throughout and utilizes repetition which reflects monotonous nature of picking cotton. Each stanza starts with the same phrase and simply changes the final few words. This song served not only as a form of entertainment and motivation but also as a way for the slaves to stand in solidarity with one another. Picking cotton was a communal activity which suggests that this song was originally a call and response between slaves. This interactive style fosters a strong sense of community, making the strenuous work feel more communal. The song demonstrates this through its mention of a unique person in each stanza whether it be “my gal”, “my wife”, or “my poppa”. 

Additionally, the song “Go Down, Moses!” demonstrates the religious aspect of the vernacular tradition. In this communally formed song, the authors says “let my people go” ten different times (Go Down, Moses | Encyclopedia.com). This repetition references the story in the second book of the old testament, Exodus, when Moses asks the Pharoah to let his people go. The use of ten in the poem reflects the ten different plagues that God sent the Egyptian people after the Pharoah refused to release the Jews from servitude. Contextually, the song compares the situation of the Jews to that of the black people and suggests that their time for freedom and equality is soon. However, the black community understands that their acceptance into a white dominated society is out of their control, and they can merely hope for a savior. While the African American slaves were introduced to Western religion during slavery, their transformation of it into something motivational and powerful is extremely remarkable. 

The vernacular tradition is a defining aspect of African American literature. It embodies the history of the black community and provides an outlet for dealing with past trauma. Many poems and songs from the reconstruction era and the early 20th century utilize this tradition as they struggle to assimilate in a predominantly white society. They never came to America by choice, they were forced to come here by the institution of slavery. As a result, they are constantly challenged when trying to express themselves and their culture is consistently invalidated by white racists. This is what the vernacular tradition allows for and why it is so powerful. 

Works Cited 

Go Down, Moses | Encyclopedia.com. www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/go- down-moses#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGo%20Down%2C%20Moses%E2%80%9D%20is,prior%20to%20the%20Civil%20War.